A Rarity

Inaction breeds doubt, averred

Dale Carnegie, and action

Breeds courage and confidence.

May we suggest, there’s some truth

There, perhaps unintended?

Plenty of experiments

Since Carnegie flogged his books

Indicate the illusion

Of firm control is fostered

By action and confidence

Alike, each reinforcing

The other, up to the point

Of disaster. Examples

Are plentiful in social

And military science—

Go enjoy them, if you care.

But what about that first part—

Inaction breeds doubt? What if

Doubt’s the very thing you need,

The livestock you want to breed?

Will your inaction pay out?

We’re not sure. The universe

Has its quiet corners, but

Even barely active’s rare,

And truly inactive’s rare

In the extreme. We may doubt

That you could be inactive.

Let’s say you’re that rarity,

Inactive living matter,

A kind of hibernator

At the tardigrade level,

Solid, freeze-dried. Do you breed

Doubt now? Funny koan, hey?

The doubtful fecundity

Of pure inactivity—

What a card, that Carnegie.